kora
what it is
A kora is built from a large calabash cut in half and covered with cow skin to make a resonator, and has a notched bridge like a lute or guitar. It does not fit well into any one category of western instruments and would have to be described as a double bridge harp lute. The sound of a kora resembles that of a harp, though when played in the traditional style, it bears a closer resemblance to flamenco and delta blues guitar techniques.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make kora a playlist
turn these 16 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is kora?
A kora is built from a large calabash cut in half and covered with cow skin to make a resonator, and has a notched bridge like a lute or guitar. It does not fit well into any one category of western instruments and would have to be described as a double bridge harp lute. The sound of a kora resembles that of a harp, though when played in the traditional style, it bears a closer resemblance to flamenco and delta blues guitar techniques.
What are good kora albums to start with?
Try The Mandé Variations by Toumani Diabaté, In The Heart Of The Moon by Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté, Mandin Kora Session one by Lamine Kouyate, and In Griot Time - String Music from Mali by Various Artists.
Who are some women making kora?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/kora/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making kora, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20